Known officially as the Little Brown Jug Football Game, Nanuet and Pearl River’s annual football game began in the fall of 1961. Almost every year since, Nanuet and Pearl River have faced off on either the Pirates’ or the Knights’ home turf, giving their all for the chance to bring home the titular jug as their prize.
Despite a hiatus from 1979 to 1982, and cancellations in 1967, 1991 and 2015 (2020’s game was technically rescheduled for the spring of 2021 but did not occur that fall), the game has had few interruptions and has become one of the most famous athletic traditions in Nanuet history.
Over the years, Nanuet has won 39 of the 58 games played. Despite suffering losses in 2023 and 2024, since 2016, Nanuet has won six of the past nine games. From 1997 to 2009, Nanuet was on a thirteen-year winning streak against the Pirates. In 2009, Nanuet won 41-0.
We’re clearly biased, but we think it’s time for another winning streak.
The game has seen some highs and lows, especially on the scoreboard. The highest reported score was a Pearl River victory in 1993, during which they racked up 55 points to Nanuet’s seven. The lowest reported score was in 1975, where both teams had zero points and the game tied at 0-0.
The game brings both die-hard football fans and students who couldn’t tell you what a field goal is; both are equally excited about the prospect of winning the game and bringing bragging rights home for the Golden Knights. The game also brings in valuable revenue for both schools with the sale of concessions and t-shirts.
Senior Cheerleader Cara Mirasol said the cheerleaders are ready to put on a show.
“The student section is gonna go crazy,” she said. “The cheerleaders are going to pump everyone up and we’re going to have a good time., We’re going to bring the energy.”
Senior Anina Penumala is far from an avid football fan. Still, she said she loves attending the Brown Jug game.
“Even if we lose, it’s still a fun social experience,” she said. “I don’t even pay attention to the game; I just really like talking to people and the social aspect.”
Whether you love football or simply love the atmosphere of the game, it is undeniable that the Brown Jug Game has been a staple of Nanuet tradition and culture throughout the years.
This year on October 25th, the Knights faced an unfortunate loss in overtime. Nevertheless, the Nanuet community was excited to host and is hopeful for next year.